Media Device Coordination via Central Controller and Self-Service
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media devices face challenges in coordinating the operation of multiple devices to follow a common schedule or plan, and programming them after deployment in a network is difficult.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising media devices and a source that use wireless networks to facilitate communication, with a control strategy and communications strategy to coordinate operations and distribute control strategies dynamically, allowing media devices to be added and controlled without prior registration or authentication, and incorporating network integrity monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple media devices are coordinated to operate according to a common schedule, then the operational reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for coordination mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
A central controller acts as an intermediary to coordinate operations among multiple media devices. The controller receives scheduling information and distributes control signals to individual devices, enabling synchronized operation without requiring complex peer-to-peer communication protocols between devices themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where media devices report their operational status and scheduling compliance to the central controller. This feedback loop enables the controller to adjust coordination strategies and maintain reliable operation across the network of devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If media devices are programmed after deployment in a network, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to programming difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
Media devices are equipped with self-service capabilities including automatic device discovery, self-registration with the central controller, and self-provisioning of operational parameters. When new devices are added to the network, they automatically configure themselves and integrate into the existing coordination framework without requiring manual programming.
Solution Approach 2:
Device configuration profiles and scheduling templates are pre-prepared and stored in the central controller. When devices are added post-deployment, the controller automatically assigns appropriate pre-configured profiles and schedules, eliminating the need for complex on-site programming while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system of controlling media devices configured for outputting signals to a surrounding area. The system including a control strategy for controlling operation of the media devices to execute operations according to a common schedule and a communications strategy for use in communicating the control strategy between the media devices in such a manner as to facilitate distribution of the control strategy to the media devices desired to operate according to the common timeline.